My low budget grow tent...

[Tetra73]

Is more like a vivarium/grow tent. The idea is to carryout from my 40g terrarium since the little fish tank was no longer large enough to grow my ferns. However, the mini Phals managed to grow and to rebloom for 2 years inside the fish tank. I could have put a short legged plastic table inside and using pots to host my plants. These plants at the lower bottom were not in pots and so I have to use one 30g and one 15g tote plastic storage bucket. You are looking at 12" deep of soil. I have to be careful with over watering. I did drill tons of holes at the bottom however.

The entire enclosure cost me about $40 total to build. 1/2" PVC pipes total of 60ft. A roll of 25ft clear vinyl sheeting. I later have to get another $14 shop light and an additional 4" big computer case fan.

mygrowtent_0002 by vracing, on Flickr

My lucky find from 2 days ago at Lowes. A rare sighting, maybe once in a year...

Gold Club Spikemoss.

mygrowtent_0003 by vracing, on Flickr


One of my mini Phals with a 1" long flower spike. I have another one too with a growing flower spike. Expecting them to bloom around maybe Dec??

mygrowtent_0007 by vracing, on Flickr


Some of the plants from the right size bottom of my grow tent.

mygrowtent_0008 by vracing, on Flickr


My orchid area by the left. You don't see it but an additional 3000 lumens LED bulbs are shinning from the front of the section. It boosts the over all foot per candle light from sub 1000 to 2000+.

Dendrobium Frosty Dawn by the front. Oncidium Sharry baby next to it. And a Cattleya at the back.

mygrowtent_0011 by vracing, on Flickr

mygrowtent_0013 by vracing, on Flickr


And the fire red Bromeliad at the center. I supposed the lighting is strong enough for them to turn red...

mygrowtent_0014 by vracing, on Flickr

[Jeff214]

looks great!

I like the 'low budget' mounted phal. I've been thinking of doing a mount but the drift wood prices seem prohibitive to me. I may try your method!

[Tetra73]

Originally Posted by Jeff214

looks great!

I like the 'low budget' mounted phal. I've been thinking of doing a mount but the drift wood prices seem prohibitive to me. I may try your method!

Wood is more natural but not required. A heavier wood can balance the orchid better in a mount if the orchid is top heavy.

[Tindomul]

Very pretty setup! I like your Selaginella. It's growing great. I have one that has a bluish tint, ever seen that before?

[Tetra73]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Very pretty setup! I like your Selaginella. It's growing great. I have one that has a bluish tint, ever seen that before?

I think they are called the peacock moss or peacock fern or rainbow moss. They have this light blue tint under shades and low light. They grow slower but not much of a ground cover.

Peacock Fern For House and*Garden - Deb's Garden - Deb's Garden Blog

[Tindomul]

Yea that's the one. Yea it does grow more sparse. But I love the colour!

[Tetra73]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Yea that's the one. Yea it does grow more sparse. But I love the colour!

Yeah, those you can easily find them in Lowes or Homedepot. However, they are a bit pricey...$10 for a small portion in a hanging basket pot.

[Tindomul]

I didn't know that. I thought I was all special cause I got it from a friend who knows a lot about them. Ha!! Good to know I can replace it if I had to.

[JessWCOH]

This looks great! Wish I could find clear pot/baskets like yours.

[Tetra73]

Originally Posted by JessWCOH

This looks great! Wish I could find clear pot/baskets like yours.

Thanks....try your local supermarkets. These are just your typical plastic food containers. I just use a 100w soldering gun to melt these slots. I am sure you can use a lower power soldering gun. Most people use a screw driver and to heat it up over a stove. That may take a while. You can "drill" it but these plastic can be brittle and they may crack.